Bhubaneswar: 20/05- Asit Pattanayak, Dy. Ranger, Bisra Forest Range under Rourkela Forest Division, Dist- Sundargarh has been apprehended by Odisha Vigilance while demanding and taking bribe Rs18,000/- from owner of a vehicle (Complainant) to release hire charges of his pre-engaged vehicle for official purpose for the month of April-2025 and with assurance to re-engage the said vehicle for official use on hire basis from 1st May 2025. Accused Sri Pattanayak was demanding bribe Rs.18,000/- for the aforementioned purpose. Left with no other option, complt reported the matter to Vigilance authorities. Following this, a team of Odisha Vigilance nabbed today Sri Pattanayak, Dy. Ranger while taking bribe Rs 18,000/- from the complt. The entire tainted bribe money Rs.18,000/- has been recovered from the possession of accused Sri Pattanayak and seized.
Following the trap, simultaneous searches are going on at four locations linked to Sri Pattanayak on DA angle. In this connection, Rourkela Vigilance PS Case No. 07 dt.20.05.2025, U/s 7 PC (Amendment) Act, 2018 has been registered. Investigation is in progress against accused Sri Pattanayak, Dy.Ranger.
